Richard Meier unveils 'urban courtyard' scheme for Mexico City towers

The mixed-use project, Reforma Towers, calls for high-end offices, retail, restaurants, parking, a fitness center, and a hotel in two high-rise buildings.

January 30, 2014 |

BD+C Staff

A grand atrium, reaching some 30 stories, highlights the contemporary, bright-white design scheme unveiled this week by Richard Meier & Partners for a new mixed-use development in Mexico City.

Designed by Meier and RMP's Partner-in-Charge Bernhard Karpf, the Reforma Towers plan calls for two towers—a 27-story luxury hotel and a 40-story mixed-use building that will house offices, retail, restaurants, a fitness center, and parking—adjoined at the base by a podium structure.

The larger tower will feature the massive atrium space, or "urban courtyard," as Karpf describes it.

"It is a celebration of space, form, and light. Natural light will filter through the void between the office modules, providing for particularly animated light conditions," said Karpf. "We have designed the surface and the volumes of the towers to take advantage of natural light, changes of scale, and views to the city."

The void created by the grand atrium is expressed on the exterior through volumetric cut-outs, which further enhance daylight and views, and allow natural ventilation.

Richard Meier & Partners is partnering with local firm Diametro Arquitectos on the project.